Guick Tips

The camping checklist is an easy way to make sure you end up remembering to take everything you need or want to use during your campout. Remember...you may not always have access to a convenience store or drug store right on the corner!!

Really it is a very simple process, made even simpler if you have a camping checklist as a guide. If you have never been camping before don't panic, just relax, and bring what keeps you comfortable. Within reason of course!

Essentially you want to pack to meet your basic needs: Mainly, food, shelter, and of course, comfort!

There are all different levels of camping. Some people camp in an RV where they have all of the comforts of home, some like to test their endurance in nature and camp with only the most minimal of equipment, and many others fall somewhere in between these two camping extremes, preferring to stay in tents or cabins (that's me!! – I heard that echo ladies “me too!”), roughing it a little but not to the extreme.

Your camping checklist will vary depending on what kind of camping you will be doing, so do not get to disheartened with the check list at the end of this article, customize it to fit your trip..

The common thread that runs through all of these different methods of camping is enjoyment.

Me? I enjoy camping where there are hot showers available as well as clean toilets. On a few special campouts (for example an overnight canoe trip down the Peace River) I have done without, but for the most part, I do love my comfort, and well, room service is always a nice bonus as well.

Most family's camping is what is known as "car camping," meaning usually the car is right on our site and we don't have to haul anything very far. This is the easiest form of tent camping. Keep in mind how far you will be hauling your gear when packing for your trip.

You will not need to bring or buy everything on each camping list! In fact, unless you are pulling a trailer, you probably don't have room for everything!

Within each category, choose which items suit you, your campout, and your family and modify each list according to your needs. I have starred those items on each list that I recommend you bring.

Camping Check List

SHELTER

□ Tent

□ Stakes

□ Hammer/Mallet

□ Stake Puller

□ Rope

□ Tarp for groundcover under tent

□ Tarp for rain fly if necessary

□ Broom

□ Dustpan

□ Small doormat for tent entrance

BEDDING

□ Sleeping Bag

□ Sheets

□ Comforter

□ Air Mattress

□ Cot

□ Sleeping Pad

□ Pillow

□ Air Mattress Pump

□ Batteries

OTHER TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

□ Clothesline

□ Rope

□ Flashlights (one for each person)

□ Lanterns

□ Propane or Fuel for Lanterns

□ Mantles for Lanterns

□ Batteries

□ Chairs

□ Tarps (bring multiple, for under tents, dining flys, and rain protection)

□ Compass

□ Shower Bag

□ Duct Tape

□ Axe

□ Hammer

□ Saw

□ Small Shovel or Trowel**

CLOTHING

□ T-shirts

□ Long-sleeved shirt

□ Shorts

□ Jeans/Pants

□ Socks

□ Underwear

□ Pyjamas

□ Bathing Suit

□ Jacket or sweater

□ Rain Jacket or poncho

□ Hat

□ Bandana

□ Closed-Toed Shoes (Sneakers or Boots)

□ Sandals or flip-flops

□ Laundry Bag

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

□ Shower Shoes/Flip Flops

□ Toilet Paper (keep in Ziploc bag)

□ Towel

□ Washcloth/Scrubby

□ Comb or Brush

□ Soap (bar or liquid)

□ Shampoo

□ Conditioner

□ Hair Styling products

□ Toothbrush

□ Toothpaste

□ Deodorant

□ Shaving Cream

□ Razor

□ Feminine Products

□ Toiletry Bag

□ Over the door hooks

□ Wipes

□ Bug Spray

□ Sunscreen

□ Lip Balm

□ Medications/Contact Lens Care

CAMPING WITH BABIES CHECKLIST

□ Portable Playpen

□ Portable High Chair

□ Portable Hook-On Chair

□ Front or Back Carry pack or Sling

□ Sleeper Pyjamas

□ Favourite Toys

□ Hats

□ Baby or Natural Insect Repellent

□ Sunscreen

CAMPING GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

GAMES

□ Deck of Cards

□ Other Card Games (Uno)

□ Board Games: (we try to avoid those with lots of tiny pieces

□ Rummikub

□ Scrabble

□ Checkers

□ Chess

□ Risk

□ Other Favourite Games

□ Horseshoes

□ Frisbees

□ Football

□ Beach Balls

□ Golf Balls

□ Cornhole Games

□ Ladder Golf

YOUNG KIDS

□ Bubbles

□ Crayons

□ Paints

□ Paper

□ Glue

□ Scissors

□ Coloring books

□ Matchbox Cars

□ Puzzles

□ Favourite Toys

□ Chutes and Ladders

□ Candyland

EVERYBODY

□ Disposable Camera

□ Word Puzzle Books

□ Fishing Gear

□ Telescope

□ Binoculars

□ Star Maps

□ Nature Books

□ Bug Box

□ Bicycle

□ Scooter

□ Jump Rope

□ A good book you have been meaning to read

□ Craft or Hobby projects (cross stitch, woodcarving, or leatherwork)

KITCHEN/COOKING SUPPLIES

□ Lots of WATER for Drinking, Cooking, and Washing

Tableware

□ Spoons

□ Forks

□ Knives

□ Plates

□ Bowls

□ Drinking Cups

□ Coffee Cups

Cooking Equipment

□ Camp Stove

□ Grill

□ Charcoal

□ Charcoal Chimney

□ Newspaper

□ Lighter

□ Matches

□ Dutch Oven

□ Nesting Camp Pots (with lids)

□ Frying Pans (with lids)

□ Pie Irons

□ Coffee Pot

Kitchen Supplies

□ Can Opener

□ Wine Bottle Opener

□ Measuring Cups

□ Measuring Spoons

□ Potholders

□ Tongs

□ Spatula

□ Wooden Spoons

□ Slotted Spoon

□ Pronged Fork

□ Whisk

□ Paring Knife

□ Chef's Knife

□ Grater

□ Campfire roasting forks (for hot dogs or marshmallows)

□ Cutting Board

□ Basting Brush

□ Vegetable Peeler

□ Meat Thermometer

□ Colander or Strainer

Cleanup and Put Away

□ Ziploc Bags (sandwich and quart)

□ Aluminium Foil

□ Dish Soap

□ Small container of chlorine bleach for sanitizing

□ Dishcloth

□ Dishpans (3)

□ Plastic Scrubby

□ Sponge

□ Paper Towels

□ Trash Bags

Other

□ Folding Table

□ Tablecloth

□ Tablecloth clips

□ Coolers:

□ Wet Cooler

□ Dry Cooler

□ Drink Cooler

□ Large Water Container

□ Hand Soap

□ Hand Sanitizer

Pantry Food Items

□ Small Bottle of Vegetable Oil

□ Salt and Pepper

□ Baking Powder

□ Baking Soda

□ Flour

□ Sugar

□ Creamer

□ Coffee

□ Tea

□ Hot Chocolate Mix

□ Garlic Powder

□ Onion Powder

□ Your Favourite Herbs and Spices

CAMPFIRE EQUIPMENT

□ Firewood

□ Tinder

□ Kindling

□ Newspaper

□ Dryer Lint

□ Lighter

□ Matches

□ Campfire Ring

□ Charcoal Table

FIRST AID

WOUND AND BURN CARE

□ Bandages, assorted sizes and shapes

□ Gauze Pads

□ Ace Bandages

□ Moleskin

□ Sanitary Napkins (make great bandages!)

□ Medical Tape or Adhesive

□ Q-Tips

□ Hydrogen Peroxide

□ Antiseptic wipes or ointment**

□ Antibiotic Cream or ointment**

□ Burn Ointment

OTHER

□ Scissors

□ Tweezers

□ Snake Bite Kit

□ Bee Sting Kit

□ Insect Repellent

□ Sunscreen

□ Hot/Cold Packs

□ First Aid Instruction Book

MEDICATIONS

□ Prescription Medications

□ Sunburn Care Lotion

□ Hydrocortisone Cream

□ Allergy Medication

□ Topical Antihistamine (Benadryl)

□ Pain Reliever (Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil)

□ Eye drops

□ Antacid

□ Antidiarrheal

□ Vicks Vapour rub

□ Cold Medication

~Janice Collins~

© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises

As seen in the May Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

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